Consider Giving Body, Organs

OTHER VIEWPOINTS

In response to the letter regarding organ donation, I agree with many points, but disagree with a few others.

I agree that familiarity with the process of organ donation is essential. In addition, preparation and organization are the two most important factors.

Clarification is needed regarding the family in a time of grief. Permission to "dismember the body" is never asked of the family. Such cruel requests are never made. Medical communities are often ignorant over the organ donor process. When I called three local hospitals, I was unable to reach a single person who could direct me to the proper forms. Therefore, the fear of vultures circling over a loved one are totally unfounded.

Most importantly, the donation process requires advance planning. The forms at the Driver's License Bureau are not written in stone. Additional preparation is necessary. For example, if a family member objects to an organ donation, the wishes of that family member are always honored. Cooperation, compassion and education are essential during the organ donation process. Although there is often an organ shortage, there is an even greater need for human skeletons. Until the 1980's, human skeletons were purchased from India. Today, the medical and scientific communities rely on plastic models, as well as outdated skeleton collections. There are two major collections, one resides at the Smithsonian, the other calls the Cleveland Museum of Natural History its home. The importance of skeleton study is felt by medical students, forensic anthropologists and law enforcement detectives. The study of skeletons aids in murder investigations, study of bone diseases, abnormal growth patterns and various other diseases. Also, the skeleton collections were collected between the years 1830-1930. The majority of the specimens were indentured servants. Due to the low socioeconomic status and the effects of hard labor, these specimens do not reflect today's ailments, as they once did.

In Florida, there is a great need for younger skeletons. With the heavy elderly population, this shortage is greatest in Florida. Sadly, young people die as well.

The burial expenses for the donor's remains are not handled gratis. Since the sale of human body parts is illegal, the donor is responsible for the transportation fee of the body. This fee is in the range of $200-$300. After donating a body in Florida, it is shipped to Gainesville, to the University of Florida. One of the most highly respected facilities for forensic anthropology study resides at the university, with Dr. Robert Maples presiding. All human remains are treated with the utmost respect and dignity.

The donations of organs and human bodies is the ultimate public service. At a time of great pain and grief, this selfless act can help future generations. Your body donation can aid in the apprehension of a child-killer, can aid in the identification of a loved one or can teach students for many years to come.

While cooperation between the American Medical Association and the American Forensic Association is lacking, your donation can aid in that fight. The AMA is often reluctant to share the skeleton with other agencies. Unfortunately, this practice hurts us all.

Lastly, if you are interested in curing future generations, please make a phone call, today, to the University of Miami donor program, 1-800-545-2292. The necessary forms will be mailed to you. In the meantime, make loved ones and family members aware of your wishes. Preparation is essential. Do it for your children and grandchildren. Also, educate yourself on the subject. Don't let others discourage your knowledge seeking of an often taboo subject.

The author, a resident of Boca Raton, wrote this for the Sun-Sentinel.